Tag Archives: steve wands

AWA unleashes a killer new comic with Pickle’s Mommy is a Murderer! from Sarah H. Cho and C.P. Smith

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Who’s a good girl? Definitely not Pickle’s mommy. From the brilliantly twisted mind of Sarah H. Cho comes Pickle’s Mommy is a Murderer!, a darkly comedic new thriller that proves man’s best friend might also be the key to catching a killer. Artists Writers & Artisans (AWA) announced the 56-page one-shot, written by Cho with artwork by C.P. Smith, arriving on January 20, 2027. Mixing The Silence of the Lambs with Doctor Dolittle, the wildly unconventional murder mystery follows a pet psychic and a retired police dog as they sniff out a possible serial killer hiding in plain sight.

Set in 1997 Portland, Pickle’s Mommy is a Murderer!! blends grisly crime, offbeat humor, and classic detective noir with an unexpectedly heartfelt exploration of grief, loneliness, and loyalty. The title marks Cho’s third collaboration with AWA and reunites her with Smith following their work together on the provocative psychological thriller Camgirl. This time, the creative duo trades cyberstalkers and futuristic technology for four-legged witnesses, questionable pet parenting, and a murder investigation unlike any other.

In Pickle’s Mommy is a Murderer!!, Klarisse is the Pacific Northwest’s go-to pet psychic, helping owners understand everything from anxious corgis to picky pugs. But when a Chihuahua named Pickle starts sharing disturbing details about her beloved owner, Melanie, Klarisse suspects this seemingly ordinary dog mom has more to her than meets the eye. Could Melanie be a murderer? Maybe even a serial killer? Determined to uncover the truth, Klarisse enlists the help of Louis, a no-nonsense retired K9 police dog desperate for a new purpose. Armed with Klarisse’s ability to communicate with animals and Louis’s detective instincts (and exceptional nose), the unlikely duo sets out to solve a mystery that could prove deadly.

Pickle’s Mommy is a Murderer!! is written by Sarah H. Cho with artwork by C.P. Smith, and lettering by Steve Wands. The mature-rated one-shot features a main cover by Rahzzah and a secondary cover by Keron Grant. The thriller-comedy will be available both online and in-store wherever comics are sold on Wednesday, January 20, 2027.

Pickle's Mommy is a Murderer!

All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World is for the hardcore DC fans

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All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World

Darkseid is…only just beginning. The ultimate anti-life in the universe has been at the heart of the “DC All In Saga” since its beginning…and while the King Omega battle has been won by the forces of good, the war against Darkseid has only just begun! All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World presents the hidden past of the being called Uxus, his descent into Darkseid, and his plans for the fate of all creation!

Darkseid has been near the center of DC’s “All in Saga” acting as the villain for major events and delivering major moments regarding the ongoing meta story playing out. If you don’t care about that, you can skip All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World. The issue acts as a way to clear up and allow readers to catch up to Darkseid’s plan as the DC Universe barrels away towards the next major event(s).

The issue is broken into two parts. Scott Snyder writes the first with art by Sanford Greene, color by Matt herms, and lettering by Steve Wands. Here we get the origin of Darkseid and what’s driving his current actions and what his vision is. It lays things out in simple terms adding in his perspective on things. We learn of the Alpha and the Omega and who Darkseid sees as his counter in the DC universe. It’s interesting in some ways and makes things clearer but it also continues to elevate a certain superhero that already feels like the DC universe revolves around. It continues a shift that’s been clear since the All In initiative began. The story and reveals have their moments but only really play to those who really care about the ongoing story of Darkseid and events where he’s the center. For casual readers, they may feel lost. It also spotlights that there’s been a lot of one-off quick teases of what’s going on that have made little sense and feel like they’re abandoned to the point we need a comic like this to remind readers and connect the dots.

The second story is written by Joshua Williamson with art by Yasmine Putri and lettering by Steve Wands. It follows Pandora. Remember her? Yeah, this story literally calls back to the “New 52” and highlights my biggest issue of the DC Universe, that it often relies on obscure trivia or moments that haven’t been a thing in decades. Darkseid has a task for Pandora as we see how she plays into whatever is coming. Again, like the first story, this one is for the hardcore fans… but the really hardcore fans… like ones that have been hanging on and debating moments from the formation of the “New 52.” It teases what’s to come with Pandora’s role which might be interesting in how it plays out but overall comes off as a sliver of a massive picture.

All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World is for the diehard DC fans that buy, read, and examine every little moment. For the casual readers, it’s fine if you’re sold already on what’s to come or want a tease of the next big event with Darkseid. Overall, it feels like an issue that has to exist because the meta story is so scattered in its parts that you need a guide to connect all of the dots and make it clear as to what’s going on. As far as the content, it does a good job of explaining things and catching up readers but the bigger question is, will they care if they’re not already invested?

Story: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson Art: Sanford Greene, Yasmine Putri
Color: Matt Herms Letters: Steve Wands
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

DC Announces Green Lantern: Doomed Cosmos from Dan Watters and Kyle Hotz

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In an alternate corner of the DC Universe, humanity has become a scourge upon the stars when writer Dan Watters and artist Kyle Hotz launch Green Lantern: Doomed Cosmos, a new six-issue DC Elseworlds series that transforms the Green Lantern mythology into a sprawling cosmic war where the human race is the enemy and Hal Jordan may be the universe’s best hope for survival.

For centuries, the Empire of Humanity has swept across the universe, laying siege to the cosmos planet by planet until all kneel before the might of the human race. Only the heavily militarized Green Lantern Corps dares oppose the human crusade.

And no human has ever fought for the Corps against the Empire. Until Hal Jordan.

Once a soldier fighting on behalf of humanity, Hal was betrayed by his battle-brother Oliver Queen and left for dead on an alien world. Rescued and deprogrammed by the Green Lantern Corps, Hal is now the Corps’ only human warrior and a powerful strategic weapon in its war against humankind. Hal’s blood-soaked odyssey will carry him through the burning ruins of a DC Universe unlike any readers have seen before, as Hal fights for peace by taking the battle to the shores of Hell itself.

This is a world where there is no joy and no peace to be found, only an intergalactic crusade and the few heroes still willing to stand against it. Across six issues, Watters and Hotz push the DC Universe to outrageous new extremes, reimagining familiar heroes, villains, worlds, and alliances as the war for the cosmos grows increasingly unpredictable.

Green Lantern: Doomed Cosmos #1, written by Dan Watters with art and a main cover by Kyle Hotz, colors by Dan Brown and letters by Steve Wands, arrives at participating comic book shops and digital retailers on January 20, 2027. Issue #1 also features variant covers by Björn Barends, Steve Beach, and Ashley Wood, plus a foil variant cover by Barends. The 32-page debut issue is $4.99 US, with card stock variants available for $5.99 US and the foil variant for $7.99 US.

  • A dynamic comic book illustration featuring characters in green and black armor, wielding energy weapons and surrounded by swirling flames, set against a cosmic background with abstract alien elements.
  • A chaotic battle scene featuring armored warriors wielding glowing weapons, engaged in fierce combat with a dynamic and textured background.
  • A muscular, armored character holding a futuristic gun, with a glowing green element, set against a vibrant red and orange cosmic background.
  • A warrior in heavy armor, armed with a weapon, charging forward amidst a cloud of dust and debris.
  • A cosmic scene depicting a spaceship in the background, surrounded by vibrant explosions and a colorful space backdrop, featuring rocky formations.
  • A vibrant and chaotic scene depicting an epic battle between two factions in a cosmic setting. One side features armored figures in red cloaks firing energy weapons, while the opposing side consists of soldiers in dark armor with glowing green accents, each unleashing firepower amidst a starry backdrop.
  • A dynamic comic book scene depicting an intense battle among armored characters in outer space, firing energy weapons and glowing blasts against a cosmic backdrop.
  • A dynamic comic book scene depicting a battle in space, featuring characters in colorful costumes engaging in combat. One character wields a fiery weapon while another prepares to attack, creating an action-packed atmosphere. The backdrop shows a cosmic landscape with vibrant colors and distant planets.
  • A battle scene featuring powerful armored characters, with one prominently wielding a glowing green weapon. The background showcases a cosmic setting with rocky formations and colorful space elements.
  • A group of muscular, green-skinned aliens in armored suits stands on a rocky terrain with a colorful cosmic background. They have fierce expressions and are equipped with weapons, suggesting a militaristic theme. In a smaller inset, silhouetted figures can be seen against a vibrant galaxy, hinting at a larger confrontation.
  • A comic book panel featuring a heroic character with wings, wielding a glowing green weapon while engaged in battle. The background shows a cosmic scene with vibrant colors, explosions, and alien machinery.
  • A dynamic comic book scene featuring a battle in space with various characters. The top panel shows a muscular character in armor wielding a large weapon, while green energy blasts and alien creatures fill the background. The middle panel features a character swinging a spiked weapon, and the bottom panel focuses on a close-up of a character with a fierce expression, highlighting their spiked armor.

Dark Knights: Metal swings with some big concepts to just sit back and enjoy

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A dark universe screams to be heard—and Batman is the one who opens the door. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s explosive, reality-shattering epic that introduced the Dark Multiverse arrives in an affordable, portable DC Compact Comics edition.

It’s a mystery that connects generations. Rare, powerful metals appearing throughout Earth’s history, granting phenomenal powers—even life. These metals don’t appear on Earth’s periodic table, because they aren’t from this world.

Now these metals will be used to make a connection between our world and a world of nightmares known as the Dark Multiverse. And this bridge between worlds will be created through a human soul—Bruce Wayne!

One of the biggest events in DC history is here! Master storytellers Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo reunite after their smash-hit Batman series for a shocking, action-packed epic. Collects Dark Nights: Metal #1-6, plus tie-in issues Batman: Lost #1 and Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1!

Story: Scott Snyder
Art: Greg Capullo
Ink: Jonathan Glapion
Color: FCO Plascencia
Additional Writers: James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Grant Morrison
Additional Art: Mikel Janin, Jorge Jimenez, Doug Mahnke, Alvaro Martinez, Yanick Paquette, Howard Porter, Raul Fernandez, Jaime Mendoza
Additional Color: Alejandro Sanchez, Wil Quintana, Hi-Fi, Nathan Fairbairn, June Chung, Brad Anderson
Letterer: Steve Wands, Clayton Cowles, Tom Napolitano

Get your copy now!

Bookshop
Zeus Comics
Amazon

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Batgirl of Burnside is a bit of a mixed DC Compact Comics edition for multiple reasons

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Barbara Gordon’s ready for a fresh start. She’s packing her bags, crossing the bridge, and heading to Gotham’s coolest neighborhood: Burnside. And when a freak fire burns up her costume and gear, Babs has the chance to become a whole new Batgirl!

But she barely slips on her new DIY costume before Batgirl starts trending as Gotham’s first viral vigilante — and attracting a new wave of enemies who want her social-media spotlight for themselves. Meanwhile, the girl beneath the gear’s got a whole new crew of friends, college classes that are kicking her Bat-butt and a dating scene that can make anyone want to swipe left on life.

This bat’s done living in the shadows. But will the bright lights of Burnside burn her for good?

Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr reinvent Barbara Gordon from the boots up in Batgirl of Burnside: DC Compact Comics Edition, collecting issues Batgirl #35-45, Batgirl Annual #3, Secret Origins #10 and DC Sneak Peek: Batgirl #1.

Story: Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher
Art: Babs Tarr, Bengal
Additional Art: Cameron Stewart, Irene Kioh, Joel Gomez, Jake Wyatt, Micael Lacombe, David Lafuente, Ming Doyle, Mingjue Helen Chen, Juan Castro
Color: Maris Wicks, Serge LaPointe, Babs Tarr, Bengal, Hi-Fi, Gabe Eltaeb, Ivan Plascencia, Mingjue Helen Chen
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher, Steve Wands

Get your copy now!

Bookshop
Amazon

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Batman/Superman/Weird Al: World’s Weirdest #1 is so much fun and entertainment. Stay weird!

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The fifth dimension is being hit with an affliction that turns everything dull and ordinary, but as Mr. Mxyzptlk reaches out to Superman and Batman for help, the same plague has hit Earth! There’s only one person to call: “Weird Al”! Get ready for a wild one-shot where the one and only “Weird Al” Yankovic joins the World’s Finest team.

Story: Mark Waid, Tyrone Finch
Vibes: “Weird Al” Yankovic
Art: Dan Schoening, Fico Ossio
Color: Luis Antonio Delgado
Letterer: Steve Wands

Get your copy now!

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s Crowbound #1 has the Vibe of 80s Twisted Children’s Films

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Crowbound #1

Rose isn’t special. She works in the Factory just like everyone else — a dark, sprawling monolithic structure that runs along the coast and cuts the world in two. All that’s left now are desolate settlements that exist in its shadow, made up of submerged villages, derelict woods, and deadly swamps. No one knows what’s left of the world on the other side… But when Rose’s young daughter Ava is violently taken from their shanty town home a year before she is meant to join the work force, Rose will come face-to-face with the surreal, harrowing forces outside the Factory’s walls… Crowbound #1 is another fantastic debut from Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen that’d fit right into the traumatic children’s films of the 80s.

When it comes to creative teams in comics, Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen is one where if you see they’re working on a comic together, you buy it. The combination of the two always results in entertaining stories that feature amazing art. Someone needs to back up the truck of money and just lock them in to do whatever they want. Crowbound is a new series that features the creative duo, and you better believe I read the first issue as soon as I could.

Crowbound #1 is the kind of story and debut you’d expect. It teases the grand picture, focusing on an emotional hook of a mother whose daughter has been taken away by those that rule. Interspersed, the issue has a dreamlike aspect to it as Rose and Ava dream, picturing what might be and remembering what was. There’s a haunting feel of it all and the mix between Lemire’s narrative and Nguyen’s art the comic has a feel of the 80s “children’s” movies I grew up with and delivered fantasy and a dose of trauma.

And there’s absolutely trauma here. Violence against women is present and while it’s not over the top in its depiction, it still got me to wince. But, it’s all a set up for what seems like a fantasy revenge tale, where Rose rises up against her oppressive rules to get her daughter back.

Nguyen’s art is his distinctive style and with the narrative, it takes an almost melancholy feel about it. The visuals are interesting telling us so much about the world and the characters, but there’s also a sadness to it all as well. And that feeling extends to the lettering by Steve Wands. It feels like there’s a choice in the lettering to deliver a style that matches the struggling society depicted as well as work with the dreamlike sequences.

Crowbound #1 opens up a lot of questions and the first issue doesn’t give a lot of answers. What it does give is a very focused story with an emotional core many can relate to. It’s a story of a mother who fights to get back her daughter. It’s a story of a parent protecting their child. How that plays out will be the big question and with Lemire and Nguyen at the helm, it’s one I can’t wait to find out the answer to.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 8.5 Art: 10 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Third Eye Comics – Kindle

Early Review: Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s Crowbound #1 has the Vibe of 80s Twisted Children’s Films

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Crowbound #1

Rose isn’t special. She works in the Factory just like everyone else — a dark, sprawling monolithic structure that runs along the coast and cuts the world in two. All that’s left now are desolate settlements that exist in its shadow, made up of submerged villages, derelict woods, and deadly swamps. No one knows what’s left of the world on the other side… But when Rose’s young daughter Ava is violently taken from their shanty town home a year before she is meant to join the work force, Rose will come face-to-face with the surreal, harrowing forces outside the Factory’s walls… Crowbound #1 is another fantastic debut from Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen that’d fit right into the traumatic children’s films of the 80s.

When it comes to creative teams in comics, Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen is one where if you see they’re working on a comic together, you buy it. The combination of the two always results in entertaining stories that feature amazing art. Someone needs to back up the truck of money and just lock them in to do whatever they want. Crowbound is a new series that features the creative duo, and you better believe I read the first issue as soon as I could.

Crowbound #1 is the kind of story and debut you’d expect. It teases the grand picture, focusing on an emotional hook of a mother whose daughter has been taken away by those that rule. Interspersed, the issue has a dreamlike aspect to it as Rose and Ava dream, picturing what might be and remembering what was. There’s a haunting feel of it all and the mix between Lemire’s narrative and Nguyen’s art the comic has a feel of the 80s “children’s” movies I grew up with and delivered fantasy and a dose of trauma.

And there’s absolutely trauma here. Violence against women is present and while it’s not over the top in its depiction, it still got me to wince. But, it’s all a set up for what seems like a fantasy revenge tale, where Rose rises up against her oppressive rules to get her daughter back.

Nguyen’s art is his distinctive style and with the narrative, it takes an almost melancholy feel about it. The visuals are interesting telling us so much about the world and the characters, but there’s also a sadness to it all as well. And that feeling extends to the lettering by Steve Wands. It feels like there’s a choice in the lettering to deliver a style that matches the struggling society depicted as well as work with the dreamlike sequences.

Crowbound #1 opens up a lot of questions and the first issue doesn’t give a lot of answers. What it does give is a very focused story with an emotional core many can relate to. It’s a story of a mother who fights to get back her daughter. It’s a story of a parent protecting their child. How that plays out will be the big question and with Lemire and Nguyen at the helm, it’s one I can’t wait to find out the answer to.

Crowbound #1 comes to shops September 2, 2026.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 8.5 Art: 10 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Pre-Order: Third Eye Comics – Kindle

Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 teases what’s coming next for the DC Universe and “All In”

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Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1

The Justice League has offered a number of villains amnesty, allowing them to prove they’re on the side of the angels. But what they didn’t see coming was the void that would leave in the world of super-villains! Batman and Lex Luthor must work together to investigate a Justice League villain who wants to fill that void, capitalizing on shifting priorities and the visions of the future that the DC Universe’s champions saw at the end of DC K.O. to create a dangerous new weapon! Can Batman and Lex set aside their differences to stop them? Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 might set up what’s to come for DC’s “All In,” but it stands out on its own as a really solid one-shot special.

Written by Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson, Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 has Batman and Lex Luthor teaming up to stop an illegal weapons purchase but why this? Where did the weapons come from? Who’s the buyer? Waid and Williamson delivers some answers and more mystery as the issue builds off of teases that have been spread out throughout the DC line and pointing to an eventual return of Darkseid.

Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 is entertaining on its own as Batman and Luthor are a fun duo to play off each other. Both have a vision of how to bring about “peace,” both are rather gruff, both are highly intelligent, and both feel their way is the right way. It’s a team-up that feels out of place but by the end is really entertaining and a hell of a lot of fun. The villain is solid. The progression of the story is engaging. And it’s easy to get into, even if you haven’t been paying attention to DC’s meta story that’s going on.

Part of the comic’s solid delivery is the art from Miguel Mendonça. With color by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and lettering by Steve Wands, the comic has a funhouse quality to it with some good scares and a lot of twisting visuals that’ll keep you sucked in to the visuals. There’s some fantastic art as Batman and Lex go further into the twisted house they’ve been sucked into and even when they’re not on a visual trip, the panels look fantastic with some great detail and coloring that stands out.

Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 is a comic that might get overlooked this week but it’s one that’s well worth checking out. The art is top notch and story is entertaining, especially the back and forth between Luthor and Batman. You don’t need to care about, or know, the DC meta story to enjoy the comic. It stands on its own while adding something for the hardcore fans.

Story: Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson Art: Miguel Mendonça
Color: Romulo Fajardo Jr. Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 8.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Scott Hoffman Returns to Mad Cave Studios with Wag

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Following the critically acclaimed title Nostalgia, Mad Cave Studios has announced Wag, the second graphic novel from writer Scott Hoffman (co-founder and member of the multi-platinum group Scissor Sisters). 

Designed by award-winning graphic designer Rian Hughes and illustrated by Juan Bobillo, Wag pairs genuine collectible appeal with a character-driven sci-fi story brought to life by expressive, clear-eyed artwork that connects across generations.

Wag, a loner in a post-apocalyptic world, hears voices in his head. It could be remnants of ancient technology (“old magic”), or he might just be crazy. With the aid of an ever-growing band of oddballs, Wag sets out on a quest to discover the source of his troubles—confronting strange and deadly enemies along the way—and ultimately fight an epic battle with the evil forces responsible for the collapse of civilization!

For fans of character-driven sci-fi, design-forward graphic novels, and post-apocalyptic stories that center on empathy, found family, and hope amid collapse, Wag is a natural pull-list pick!

The 144-page paperback arrives in comic shops and bookstores on July 21, 2026, with a Direct Market FOC of June 29.

Wag: The Collected Edition
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